General Motors pulls the plug on Clifford

WATKINS GLEN—Clifford Motors in Watkins Glen is no longer a General Motors dealer.
A notice on the front door says Clifford Motors closed Oct. 8, after 34 years of operation. Owner Tom Clifford has previously taken a “no comment” stance when asked about the Clifford Motors and GM relationship. However, recently only a few new cars were available at the dealership. Last week most of the cars were removed from Clifford’s lot.
“I think it’s all been said,” explained Clifford.
The sign on Clifford Motors’ front door explains the dealership is one of the many let go by GM. Susan Garontakos, GM spokesperson, said that General Motors sent “wind-down agreement” letters to 1,350 dealers in May and June of this year. Garontakos said that the “wind-down” letter basically states that a dealer will not continue selling new GM products and will also discontinue warranty work on GM vehicles.
Garontakos said that GM was not publicly disclosing the individual dealer names that will be terminating GM operations but they will let the local businesses communicate their timeframe and business decisions locally.
Earlier this year, the struggling General Motors Corp. filed for bankruptcy protection. GM emerged from bankruptcy within weeks and decided to maintain a restructured smaller dealer network. Garontakos said that GM will plan to operate with some 4,100 dealers.